Small Dogs Who Do Well In Cold Weather

While some dog breeds are bred to tolerate cold weather, most are not. Those cold climate dog breeds with the benefit of a second coat (also known as an undercoat) will stay warm and cozy when accompanying you on those quiet winter walks. Dogs who are without the benefit of an extra layer of fur would be wise to bundle up in their coats and boots before venturing out into the winter wonderland.

Here is a list of some small dog breeds who handle cooler temperatures better than most (though you may still want to put on his doggie booties to protect his pads from salt on the sidewalks and those awful ice balls that form between his toes).

This is a small dog that does well in cold weather. The Aussie’s shaggy coat is rough to the touch, with a soft undercoat. About two inches in length over most of the body, it is longer on the chest and head. Read more about Australian Terriers.

The Bedlington Terrier is another small dog that does well in cold weather. Bedlington’s distinctive coat is an unusual combination of harsh and soft hair. It feels crisp but not wiry and has a tendency to curl, especially on the head and face. Read more about Bedlington Terriers.

A dense, rough outer coat is insulated by a soft undercoat in reddish-brown to fawn with black hair tips; black or gray with white markings; or white with dark markings. Read more about Norwegian Lundehunds.

The Pomeranian’s glory is his thick, stand-out, double coat with an undercoat of soft, thick, fluffy hair and a top coat of long, straight, shiny hair that’s harsh to the touch. The longer hair around the neck and chest forms a frill, enhancing the Pom’s proud appearance. Read more about Pomeranians.

The Tibetan Spaniel has a silky double coat that’s smooth on the face and the front of the legs and moderately long on the rest of the body. The ears, tail, and backs of the forelegs and buttocks have longer hair, and a mane of long hair (sometimes referred to as a shawl) surrounds the neck. Read more about Tibetan Spaniels.